There's definitely something going on with the passing over of Mirai. I can only hope it's that the people who need to know, already have the inside tip that Alissa will be withdrawing from NHK and Mirai will get the replacement invite and this has been the plan all along.

That is the only explanation that makes sense.

Although, not really. If everyone already knows that Alissa will not be going to NHK, why the charade?